The Danish National School of Performing Arts
Master the craft, lead the stage, shape the future.
📍 Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
🏆 #1 in Denmark
Quick Facts about The Danish National School of Performing Arts
- Type: Public
- Students: 300
- International: 30%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $10,000 – $15,000/year
- Language: Danish, English
- Intakes: August
About The Danish National School of Performing Arts
Academics
The school offers a diverse range of Bachelor and Master programs across departments such as acting, dance, choreography, and stagecraft. The teaching approach emphasizes a balance between individual artistic development and collaborative production, ensuring students understand the collective nature of the performing arts. Notable programs include the English-taught Master in Dance and Participation, which highlights the school’s commitment to multidisciplinary strengths and social engagement.
International Students
International students are welcomed into a vibrant community where several advanced programs are conducted entirely in English to facilitate global exchange. While many undergraduate courses are taught in Danish, the school provides a supportive environment with dedicated administrative staff to assist with residency and integration. The student body is characterized by a high degree of diversity, and the school actively fosters cultural exchange through international partnerships and guest workshops.
Campus & Location
The main campus is situated in the Holmen area of Copenhagen, a historic naval district that has transformed into a creative hub. Students benefit from state-of-the-art rehearsal rooms and performance spaces located near other major artistic institutions like the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Copenhagen offers an exceptional quality of life with efficient public transportation, a world-class culinary scene, and a safe, bike-friendly urban environment.
Career Outcomes
Graduates maintain high employment rates within the European cultural sector due to the school’s strong industry connections and reputation for excellence. The curriculum includes professional internships and networking opportunities that link students directly with major theaters, dance companies, and film studios. Many alumni go on to lead successful freelance careers or establish their own independent performance collectives, supported by the school’s focus on artistic entrepreneurship.
Information for International Students at The Danish National School of Performing Arts
The Danish National School of Performing Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark welcomes international students, with 30% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 30% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$5000/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Danish, English
Admissions Requirements for The Danish National School of Performing Arts
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to The Danish National School of Performing Arts:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 83
- Application fee: $750
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: March 2, 2026
Programs at The Danish National School of Performing Arts (15 programs)
The Danish National School of Performing Arts offers 15 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (8)
- Acting (Skuespil) (BA) — 36 months · Danish · €20,600/yr · Scholarship available
Comprehensive training in acting for theater, film, and television, focusing on voice, movement, and text analysis.
Field: Theatre/Acting
Career outcomes: Professional actor in theater, film, media
Deadline: January and March - Playwriting (Dramatisk Skrivekunst) (BA) — 36 months · Danish · €20,600/yr · Scholarship available
Training in the craft of writing for the stage, focusing on character development, plot, and dialogue.
Field: Playwriting/Literature
Career outcomes: Playwright, scriptwriter, dramaturg
Deadline: January and March - Theatre and Performance Making — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
A program where students specialize in lighting, scenography, sound, or stage directing to create visual and auditory stage environments. Graduates work as technical designers and directors in the performing arts.
Field: Scenography/Directing
Career outcomes: Set designer, Lighting designer, Stage director, Sound designer
Deadline: January/February - Playwriting — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
Students learn the craft of dramatic writing, focusing on dialogue, structure, and narrative for the stage. Career outcomes include working as playwrights, dramaturgs, or scriptwriters.
Field: Dramatic Writing
Career outcomes: Playwright, Dramaturg, Scriptwriter
Deadline: January/February - Dance and Choreography — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on developing technical dance skills and creative choreographic methods for the contemporary stage. Career prospects include professional dancing and independent artistic creation.
Field: Dance
Career outcomes: Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic director
Deadline: January/February - Musical Theatre — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
An interdisciplinary program combining singing, dancing, and acting for the musical stage. Graduates are prepared for careers in commercial musical theater and large-scale stage productions.
Field: Musical Theatre
Career outcomes: Musical theater performer, Singer, Stage actor
Deadline: January/February - Acting — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
Students undergo intensive training in physical and vocal techniques to prepare for professional roles in theater, film, and digital media. Graduates typically find work as professional actors in national theaters and independent productions.
Field: Acting
Career outcomes: Professional actor, Film actor, Stage performer
Deadline: January/February - Performing Arts Production — 36 months · Danish · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the technical and managerial aspects of theater, including production management, stage management, and scenic construction. Graduates pursue careers as production managers and technical directors.
Field: Production/Tech
Career outcomes: Production manager, Stage manager, Scenic constructor
Deadline: January/February
Master Programs (3)
- Choreography — 24 months · English · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
An advanced program for developing a personal choreographic language and research-based artistic practice. Graduates work as professional choreographers and artistic leaders in the international dance scene.
Field: Dance/Choreography
Career outcomes: Choreographer, Artistic director, Dance researcher
Deadline: March - Performing Arts — 24 months · English · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
A flexible, interdisciplinary program allowing for advanced specialization in acting, directing, or production through research-based practice. Prepares students for high-level artistic roles and research.
Field: Interdisciplinary Arts
Career outcomes: Artistic director, Advanced performer, Researcher
Deadline: March - Dance and Participation — 24 months · English · $135,000/yr · Scholarship available
Explores the intersection of dance, pedagogy, and social engagement, focusing on how dance can involve diverse communities. Graduates work in community arts, education, and social dance projects.
Field: Dance Pedagogy
Career outcomes: Dance educator, Community artist, Project manager
Deadline: March
PhD Programs (2)
- Artistic Research (PhD Level) (PhD) — 36 months · English · €20,600/yr · Scholarship available
A research-based program where artists develop new knowledge through their artistic practice, often in collaboration with universities.
Field: Artistic Research
Career outcomes: Academic researcher, senior artistic consultant, professor
Deadline: January and March - Artistic Research (PhD) — English · Scholarship available
A practice-based doctoral program focusing on the development of new artistic methods and knowledge through the student's own artistic practice. Graduates contribute to the academic and professional development of the arts.
Field: Artistic Research
Career outcomes: Researcher, Professor, Artistic consultant
Scholarships & Tuition at The Danish National School of Performing Arts
Annual tuition for international students: $10,000 – $15,000/year
✅ The Danish National School of Performing Arts offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of The Danish National School of Performing Arts
- National Ranking: #1 in Denmark
- Ranking tier: Unranked
Campus & Facilities at The Danish National School of Performing Arts
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 7
- Housing cost: ~$5000/month
Key Highlights
- Premier higher education in performing arts
- English-taught Master programs for global students
- Main campus in Copenhagen’s creative hub
- Focus on artistic research and practice
- State-of-the-art rehearsal and performance facilities
- Collaborative training across diverse artistic disciplines
Accreditation
- Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet (Ministry of Higher Education and Science)
- Danish Ministry of Culture
Fields of Study at The Danish National School of Performing Arts
- Acting
- Dance
- Theatre
- Scenography
- Directing
Frequently Asked Questions about The Danish National School of Performing Arts
What is The Danish National School of Performing Arts?
The Danish National School of Performing Arts is a public university located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It has approximately 300 students, with 30% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at The Danish National School of Performing Arts?
Tuition fees at The Danish National School of Performing Arts for international students range from $10,000 – $15,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $5000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for The Danish National School of Performing Arts?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 83. Application fee: $750. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: March 2, 2026.
What language are courses taught in at The Danish National School of Performing Arts?
Courses at The Danish National School of Performing Arts are taught in Danish and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does The Danish National School of Performing Arts offer?
The Danish National School of Performing Arts offers 15 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 3 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is The Danish National School of Performing Arts ranked?
#1 in Denmark.
Does The Danish National School of Performing Arts offer scholarships?
Yes, The Danish National School of Performing Arts offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does The Danish National School of Performing Arts provide visa support?
Yes, The Danish National School of Performing Arts provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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